Traditionally most news letters start out after the holidays with the old "I Wish You A Happy New year"
I won't open this newsletter with that cliche line because in all honesty my wishes generally don't come true.
What I will wish for you is, to Use Our Sponsors because I know if you do use the Guild sponsors you be Happy In This New Year, your $50 member fee will be returned to you in cost savings, and that will make You Happy and my wish will come true, so to make it official, I Wish You To Use Our Sponsors.
At the end of this newsletter is a list of the current sponsors give them a click and see what they are currently offering Guild members.
Thank you
Ron Rizio
Membership Committee Chairman
Professional Networking
Other than ICG Chapter programs, the 2010 PGA Merchandise Show in January and the Boston Golf Expo in early March appear to be the only designated places that offer Guild members the opportunity for face-to-face professional networking opportunities with peers and vendor reps.
While many might debate the value of attending these events, both the PGA Show and The Boston Golf Expo provide the ultimate place for where the little guys can connect with each other and establish working relationships with your peers because learning, and helping each other become better at what we do is the main value added scenario of Guild membership.
PGA Merchandise Show.
When? January 28-30 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, FL
Where? The Industry Association Lounge Hall D on the second floor, Meeting Rooms 224-229, 8:30am - 6:00pm daily
In the past, there have been complimentary snacks with hot and cold beverages. Several other organizations would also be present in the 5000+ sq. ft. room with a designated section for ICG members. The ICG will have tables and chairs plus a presentation area for small groups available on a first come, first served basis. A number of members will be there this year. Check the members forum thread entitled "Who's going to Orlando" to learn more.
Todd Kos, ICG member and sponsor from Optimal Flight, is offering his first Optimal Flight Certification class available for 2010. Any member interested in attending the Optimal Flight Certification class at the 2010 PGA Show should contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
Membership Committee member, George Sigeti, has arranged a schedule for ICG sponsors attending and is the lead point of contact for any members needing information regarding registration or planned meetings. George can reached by email at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
Boston Golf Expo.
When? March 5-7 2010.
Where? Seaport World Trade Center at 200 Seaport Boulevard, Boston, MA 02210
Now is the time for Guild members in the northeastern U.S. to think about the upcoming Boston Golf Expo. The Guild has been invited to attend and we will be positioned along with Golf Pride. Golf Pride will be giving one grip to each person who attends the show, and Guild members will offer to install the grip free of charge.
We need volunteers to help man the booth, so please volunteer a portion of a day if you plan to attend. You will get a chance to rub elbows with O.E.M. reps and you will have the opportunity to meet and talk to people from your geographic area. If you come, please locate us, introduce yourself, and sit and talk about golf and your membership in the Guild.
Further information on the Boston Golf Expo can be found at http://www.paragonexpo.com/213.html?flash=1. Contact Jim Cook at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it if you can volunteer some time.
For more information about either of these events, simply log on to the member forums and look for any of the following folder headings:
How many are going to Orlando?
ICG To Participate In The National Golf Expo
Boston golf expo
A Suggested December BOD Agenda Item
New Members in December
Other than ICG Chapter programs, the 2010 PGA Merchandise Show in January and the Boston Golf Expo in early March appear to be the only designated places that offer Guild members the opportunity for face-to-face professional networking opportunities with peers and vendor reps.
While many might debate the value of attending these events, both the PGA Show and The Boston Golf Expo provide the ultimate place for where the little guys can connect with each other and establish working relationships with your peers because learning, and helping each other become better at what we do is the main value added scenario of Guild membership.
PGA Merchandise Show.
When? January 28-30 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, FL
Where? The Industry Association Lounge Hall D on the second floor, Meeting Rooms 224-229, 8:30am - 6:00pm daily
In the past, there have been complimentary snacks with hot and cold beverages. Several other organizations would also be present in the 5000+ sq. ft. room with a designated section for ICG members. The ICG will have tables and chairs plus a presentation area for small groups available on a first come, first served basis. A number of members will be there this year. Check the members forum thread entitled "Who's going to Orlando" to learn more.
Todd Kos, ICG member and sponsor from Optimal Flight, is offering his first Optimal Flight Certification class available for 2010. Any member interested in attending the Optimal Flight Certification class at the 2010 PGA Show should contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
Membership Committee member, George Sigeti, has arranged a schedule for ICG sponsors attending and is the lead point of contact for any members needing information regarding registration or planned meetings. George can reached by email at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
Boston Golf Expo.
When? March 5-7 2010.
Where? Seaport World Trade Center at 200 Seaport Boulevard, Boston, MA 02210
Now is the time for Guild members in the northeastern U.S. to think about the upcoming Boston Golf Expo. The Guild has been invited to attend and we will be positioned along with Golf Pride. Golf Pride will be giving one grip to each person who attends the show, and Guild members will offer to install the grip free of charge.
We need volunteers to help man the booth, so please volunteer a portion of a day if you plan to attend. You will get a chance to rub elbows with O.E.M. reps and you will have the opportunity to meet and talk to people from your geographic area. If you come, please locate us, introduce yourself, and sit and talk about golf and your membership in the Guild.
Further information on the Boston Golf Expo can be found at http://www.paragonexpo.com/213.html?flash=1. Contact Jim Cook at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it if you can volunteer some time.
For more information about either of these events, simply log on to the member forums and look for any of the following folder headings:
How many are going to Orlando?
ICG To Participate In The National Golf Expo
Boston golf expo
A Suggested December BOD Agenda Item
New Members in December
The most well known people to join the ICG this past month were Tom Wishon and Matt Mohi of Tom Wishon Golf Technology. Along with these two new members the ICG also would like to welcome Jules Dezentje Hamming, Fred Shriner, Juan-Luis Ezcurra, Bryan Frew and James Warren. It’s great to have you here.
Report from the Technical Committee
Report from the Technical Committee
Don Johnson reported that we currently have 3 members who have passed the written portion of the clubmaking certification, and 2 more members still engaged in the process of completing the written portion with time extensions granted due to extenuating circumstances. One member is actively working on the skills portion of the certification with skills coordinator, DJ McIntosh.
Dave Honke continues to work on the clubfitting certification exam. Dave Eagar has been working to get permission from several members to resurrect PCS workshop videos and make them available for ICG members to download from the ICG web site. Help is needed to develop lesson plans for continuing education program modules.
Dave Honke continues to work on the clubfitting certification exam. Dave Eagar has been working to get permission from several members to resurrect PCS workshop videos and make them available for ICG members to download from the ICG web site. Help is needed to develop lesson plans for continuing education program modules.
Member Benefits Expanding, New Programs under Development
As we continue to separate more and more from the ways of old and become a truly independent organization, we open the door to new opportunities for 2010. 2009 was just the beginning for rebuilding trust, confidence and passion throughout the Guild and the entire clubmaking profession. 2010 will, no doubt, mark an important milestone in ICG history and lay the groundwork for our future success.
The ICG has worked very hard in 2009 both internally and externally to find ways we can maximize efficiency, quality and overall design of our organization. In addition, our Board of Directors and member-based committees have worked hard creating new and exciting membership plans, certification programs, a world class web site and on bringing in top notch sponsors. These efforts are already paying off as we continue to grow.
Although it is a bit too early to lay out all of the details, we anticipate innovations that will help you create savings, efficiencies and overall value with both your operations and your end-customers. We need your help to help makes this happen as we work together to bring about valuable solutions aimed at providing increased value for our members.
Here are a few ways where you can help the ICG make a difference.
Participate in membership forum discussions. The Guild Business folder is one place that allows members to have their voices heard. In total there are no less than sixteen dedicated member-only technical forums on a wide variety of subjects. While it is true that some of our discussions involve diverse opinions, spirited debates expressed by passionate minds offer open and honest debate to the multiple sides of each topic.
Consider joining a member-based committee. Current committee activity ranges from soliciting additional sponsor support to development of new member benefits, recruitment of new members, maintenance of our Internet program support team, and development of new professional certification exams and continuing education programs. Simply contact one of the committee chairs identified on our web site to learn how you can help shape our future.
As we continue to separate more and more from the ways of old and become a truly independent organization, we open the door to new opportunities for 2010. 2009 was just the beginning for rebuilding trust, confidence and passion throughout the Guild and the entire clubmaking profession. 2010 will, no doubt, mark an important milestone in ICG history and lay the groundwork for our future success.
The ICG has worked very hard in 2009 both internally and externally to find ways we can maximize efficiency, quality and overall design of our organization. In addition, our Board of Directors and member-based committees have worked hard creating new and exciting membership plans, certification programs, a world class web site and on bringing in top notch sponsors. These efforts are already paying off as we continue to grow.
Although it is a bit too early to lay out all of the details, we anticipate innovations that will help you create savings, efficiencies and overall value with both your operations and your end-customers. We need your help to help makes this happen as we work together to bring about valuable solutions aimed at providing increased value for our members.
Here are a few ways where you can help the ICG make a difference.
Participate in membership forum discussions. The Guild Business folder is one place that allows members to have their voices heard. In total there are no less than sixteen dedicated member-only technical forums on a wide variety of subjects. While it is true that some of our discussions involve diverse opinions, spirited debates expressed by passionate minds offer open and honest debate to the multiple sides of each topic.
Consider joining a member-based committee. Current committee activity ranges from soliciting additional sponsor support to development of new member benefits, recruitment of new members, maintenance of our Internet program support team, and development of new professional certification exams and continuing education programs. Simply contact one of the committee chairs identified on our web site to learn how you can help shape our future.
Don't want to join a committee? Even in the event that you don't have the extra time required of committee members, you can still contact the chairman of each committee or any Board of Directors representative and let your voice be heard. The ICG has no rigid chain of command, and we are all equal no matter what level involvement any member chooses.
Our collection of articles, videos and documents in support of the art, science and golf practice needs your support. There are several ways to submit content for publication on the ICG web site. If you have an article that is already in electronic format, you can simply email it to the webmaster link provided in the Contact Us menu, or you may choose to post it in the Web Site Suggestions thread on the forum.
2010 will mark the beginning of implementing program changes with renewed focus on how to better serve you, our members. In order to effect these changes with measurable results, we need to embrace and utilize the diversity of knowledge within our membership. In order for members to accept change – no matter what the focus of their particular fear - we must continually offer an environment where members can air their issues and participate in such a way that their input is valued and their efforts are recognized.
As an independent, member-owned group, every ICG member has an equal right and responsibility to help shape this organization and create a global Association where all members can benefit in terms of technical knowledge, hands-on training, professional certification, and generally improving our craft.
With the volatile global economy and ever-changing business environments, clubmaking professionals are facing many challenges. The ICG membership needs to work together to bring valuable solutions aimed at bringing members increased value.
As stated in our welcome letter to all who visit us, "We are the only independent; member-owned and operated organization, where the membership determine the benefits, programs and deliverables of the organization."
Our collection of articles, videos and documents in support of the art, science and golf practice needs your support. There are several ways to submit content for publication on the ICG web site. If you have an article that is already in electronic format, you can simply email it to the webmaster link provided in the Contact Us menu, or you may choose to post it in the Web Site Suggestions thread on the forum.
2010 will mark the beginning of implementing program changes with renewed focus on how to better serve you, our members. In order to effect these changes with measurable results, we need to embrace and utilize the diversity of knowledge within our membership. In order for members to accept change – no matter what the focus of their particular fear - we must continually offer an environment where members can air their issues and participate in such a way that their input is valued and their efforts are recognized.
As an independent, member-owned group, every ICG member has an equal right and responsibility to help shape this organization and create a global Association where all members can benefit in terms of technical knowledge, hands-on training, professional certification, and generally improving our craft.
With the volatile global economy and ever-changing business environments, clubmaking professionals are facing many challenges. The ICG membership needs to work together to bring valuable solutions aimed at bringing members increased value.
As stated in our welcome letter to all who visit us, "We are the only independent; member-owned and operated organization, where the membership determine the benefits, programs and deliverables of the organization."
Please send your Comments and Suggestions to
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Please Patronize Our Sponsors
